What happened: Rod Brind'Amour reflected on what it feels like to win the Stanley Cup from behind the bench rather than on the ice. Speaking with Rich Eisen, he said the coaching side is "more rewarding" and that he was "extremely happy" his players got to accomplish their dream. The comments come on the heels of his team's championship run.

Why it matters: Brind'Amour knows both sides of the moment, having captained Carolina to its first Stanley Cup as a player before leading the franchise to its 2026 title behind the bench. His framing — that watching others reach the summit outweighs the personal triumph — underscores how his identity has shifted from on-ice leader to mentor. It also cements his standing as one of the few figures to hoist the Cup in both roles for the same club.

What to watch: Watch for how Brind'Amour builds on the championship as he sets the roster and tone for the team's title defense.